Optical unit with shake correction function

ABSTRACT

An optical unit with a shake correction function includes a turning support mechanism structured to turnably support a movable body having a lens around an optical axis, and a gimbal mechanism structured to turnably support the turning support mechanism. The gimbal mechanism includes a gimbal frame and a first connection mechanism which turnably connects a plate holder with the gimbal frame around a first axis, and the first connection mechanism includes a first support member which is protruded from the gimbal frame to a side of the plate holder on the first axis, and a first concave curved face which is provided in the plate holder and is turnably brought into contact with a tip end of the first support member. A reinforcement member is fixed to the gimbal frame so that a portion of the gimbal frame where the first axis is passed is reinforced.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 toJapanese Application No. 2019-110954 filed on Jun. 14, 2019, and theentire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction structured to perform a shake correction by turning an imagingmodule around predetermined three axes.

BACKGROUND

In an optical unit which is mounted on a portable terminal or a movementbody, in order to restrain disturbance of a photographed image of theportable terminal or when the movement body is moved, an optical unithas been known in which a movable body on which an optical module ismounted is turnable around an optical axis, around a first axisperpendicular to the optical axis, and around a second axisperpendicular to the optical axis and the first axis. Such an opticalunit with a shake correction function is disclosed in Japanese PatentLaid-Open No. 2015-82072 (Patent Literature 1).

An optical unit with a shake correction function described in PatentLiterature 1 includes a movable body, a fixed body and a turning supportmechanism structured to turnably support the movable body around apredetermined axial line with respect to the fixed body. The movablebody includes an optical module having a lens, a support body whichsurrounds the optical module, and a gimbal mechanism structured toturnably support the optical module around a first axis and around asecond axis on an inner side of the support body. Further, the opticalunit with a shake correction function includes a turning magnetic drivemechanism structured to turn the optical module around the first axisand around the second axis in the movable body, and a rolling magneticdrive mechanism structured to turn the movable body around apredetermined axial line and thereby to turn the optical module aroundan optical axis.

In the optical unit with a shake correction function described in PatentLiterature 1, when the optical module is not turned around the firstaxis or around the second axis, a predetermined axial line (turning axisof the movable body) around which the movable body is turned by theturning support mechanism and an optical axis are coincided with eachother. However, when the optical module is turned around the first axisor around the second axis, the turning axis of the movable body by theturning support mechanism is deviated from the optical axis of theoptical module on the movable body. Therefore, when the optical moduleis turned around the first axis or around the second axis, if therolling magnetic drive mechanism is driven to turn the movable body, aproblem occurs that the optical module is not turned around the opticalaxis.

SUMMARY

In view of the problem described above, the present invention providesan optical unit with a shake correction function in which the turningaxis of the movable body and the optical axis are capable of beingcoincided with each other.

To solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides anoptical unit with a shake correction function including a movable bodyhaving a lens, a turning support mechanism structured to turnablysupport the movable body around an optical axis of the lens, a gimbalmechanism structured to turnably support the turning support mechanismaround a first axis intersecting the optical axis and turnably supportthe turning support mechanism around a second axis intersecting theoptical axis and the first axis, a fixed body which supports the movablebody through the gimbal mechanism and the turning support mechanism, ashake correction magnetic drive mechanism structured to turn the movablebody around the first axis and around the second axis, and a rollingcorrection magnetic drive mechanism structured to turn the movable bodyaround the optical axis. The turning support mechanism includes a plateroll which is fixed to the movable body, a plate holder provided with afacing part which faces the plate roll in a direction of the opticalaxis, and a turning mechanism which is provided between the plate rolland the facing part and is structured so that the plate roll is turnablewith respect to the plate holder around the optical axis. The gimbalmechanism includes a gimbal frame and a first connection mechanism whichturnably connects the plate holder with the gimbal frame around thefirst axis, and the first connection mechanism includes a first supportmember which is protruded from the gimbal frame to a side of the plateholder on the first axis, and a first concave curved face which isprovided in the plate holder and is turnably brought into contact with atip end of the first support member. A reinforcement member is fixed tothe gimbal frame so that a portion of the gimbal frame where the firstaxis is passed is reinforced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary,not limiting, and wherein like elements are numbered alike in severalFigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical unit with a shakecorrection function.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the optical unit with a shakecorrection function from which a flexible printed circuit board isdetached and which is viewed in a direction different from in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an optical unit with a shake correctionfunction from which a cover is detached and which is viewed in anoptical axis direction.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical unit with a shakecorrection function which is cut by the “A-A” line in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the optical unit with a shakecorrection function which is cut by the “B-B” line in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an optical unit with ashake correction function.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory perspective view showing a movable body, aturning support mechanism and a gimbal mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a movable body, a turningsupport mechanism, a gimbal frame and a first connection mechanism.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a movable body, a turningsupport mechanism and a gimbal frame.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a turning supportmechanism.

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbal frame, areinforcement member and a first support member.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a case and a gimbal framereceiving member.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view showing a case and a gimbalframe receiving member.

FIGS. 14A and 14B are explanatory views showing fixed portions of firstsupport members in other examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present invention, the turning support mechanism whichturnably supports the movable body around the optical axis is turnablysupported around the first axis and around the second axis intersectingthe optical axis by the gimbal mechanism. Therefore, the turning supportmechanism is capable of turning around the first axis and around thesecond axis together with the movable body. Therefore, even when themovable body is turned around the first axis or around the second axis,the turning axis of the movable body by the turning support mechanismand the optical axis of the movable body are coincided with each other.Therefore, in a case that the movable body is turning around the firstaxis or around the second axis, when the rolling correction magneticdrive mechanism is driven to turn the movable body, the movable body isturned around the optical axis.

In the present invention, the turning support mechanism which supportsthe movable body is supported by the gimbal frame through the firstconnection mechanism. Therefore, in comparison with a case that thegimbal frame supports only the movable body through the first connectionmechanism, a large load is applied to a portion of the gimbal framestructuring the first connection mechanism, in other words, a large loadis applied to a portion and its periphery of the gimbal frame where thefirst axis is passed. In this case, when the gimbal frame is deformeddue to a load from the first connection mechanism, a situation may beoccurred that the first support member and the first concave curved faceof the plate holder are separated from each other and the plate holderis unable to be turnably supported by the gimbal frame. In order toprevent such a problem, according to the present invention, the gimbalframe is fixed with the reinforcement member for reinforcing a portionof the gimbal frame where the first axis is passed. As a result,deformation of the gimbal frame can be prevented or suppressed and thus,a situation can be avoided that the plate holder is unable to beturnably supported by the gimbal frame.

In the present invention, it may be structured that, when one side in adirection of the optical axis is defined as a first direction and theother side in the direction of the optical axis is defined as a seconddirection, the gimbal frame includes a gimbal frame main body part whichis located in the second direction with respect to the plate holder, anda pair of first gimbal frame extended parts which are protruded from thegimbal frame main body part to both sides in a direction of the firstaxis and are extended in the first direction. The pair of the firstgimbal frame extended parts is located on an outer peripheral side withrespect to the movable body. Each of the pair of the first gimbal frameextended parts is provided with a first extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part which is extended in a direction separatedfrom the gimbal frame main body part in the direction of the first axis,a second extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part whichis inclined in the first direction from a tip end of the first extendedportion of the first gimbal frame extended part toward a directionseparated from the gimbal frame main body part, and a third extendedportion of the first gimbal frame extended part which is extended in thefirst direction from an end in the first direction of the secondextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part on the outerperipheral side with respect to the plate holder. The first supportmember is protruded to a side of the movable body from the thirdextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part, and thereinforcement member is fixed to each of the first gimbal frame extendedparts. The reinforcement member is provided with a first reinforcementportion which is located in the second direction with respect to thefirst extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part, a secondreinforcement portion which is extended from an end on the outerperipheral side of the first reinforcement portion along the secondextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part, and a thirdreinforcement portion which is extended along the third extended portionof the first gimbal frame extended part from an end in the firstdirection of the second extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part. According to this structure, each of a pair of the firstgimbal frame extended parts can be prevented or suppressed by thereinforcement member from deforming in a direction separated from eachother.

In the present invention, it may be structured that a thickness of thereinforcement member is thicker than a thickness of the first gimbalframe extended part in a laminated direction in a state that the firstgimbal frame extended part and the reinforcement member are overlappedwith each other. According to this structure, the reinforcement memberis easily structured of a member whose rigidity is higher than that ofthe first gimbal frame extended part.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the third extendedportion of the first gimbal frame extended part is provided with agimbal frame extended part through-hole which penetrates through thethird extended portion in a direction of the first axis, and a supportmember fixing tube part which is protruded to an opposite side to themovable body in the direction of the first axis from an opening edge ofthe gimbal frame extended part through-hole provided in the thirdextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part. The thirdreinforcement portion is provided with a reinforcement memberthrough-hole which penetrates through the third reinforcement portion inthe direction of the first axis and is communicated with the gimbalframe extended part through-hole, and the support member fixing tubepart is inserted into the reinforcement member through-hole, and thefirst support member is held by the support member fixing tube part andis protruded from the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part. According to this structure, the first support member isheld by the first gimbal frame extended part and the reinforcementmember. Further, the first support member is inserted into the supportmember fixing tube part which is extended in the first axis directionand thus, the first support member can be moved in the first axisdirection along the support member fixing tube part. As a result, aprotruding amount of the first support member which is protruded fromthe first gimbal frame extended part to a side of the movable body canbe adjusted. In this case, when a protruding amount of the first supportmember can be adjusted, a contact pressure of the first support memberwith the first concave curved face can be adjusted. Further, when aprotruding amount of the first support member can be adjusted, asituation is easily avoided that the first support member and the firstconcave curved face are separated from each other and the plate holderis unable to be turnably supported by the gimbal frame.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the first supportmember is fixed to the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the third extendedportion of the first gimbal frame extended part is provided with agimbal frame extended part through-hole which penetrates through thethird extended portion in the direction of the first axis, the thirdreinforcement portion is provided with a reinforcement memberthrough-hole which penetrates through the third reinforcement portion inthe direction of the first axis and is communicated with the gimbalframe extended part through-hole, the first support member is insertedinto the reinforcement member through-hole and is fixed to thereinforcement member, and the first support member penetrates throughthe gimbal frame extended part through-hole and protrudes from the thirdextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part to a side ofthe movable body. According to this structure, the first support memberis held by the reinforcement member through-hole penetrating in thefirst axial direction and thus, the first support member can be moved inthe first axis direction along the reinforcement member through-hole. Asa result, a protruding amount of the first support member which isprotruded from the gimbal frame extended part to a side of the movablebody can be adjusted. In this case, when a protruding amount of thefirst support member can be adjusted, a contact pressure of the firstsupport member with the first concave curved face can be adjusted.Further, when a protruding amount of the first support member can beadjusted, a situation is easily avoided that the first support memberand the first concave curved face are separated from each other and theplate holder is unable to be turnably supported by the gimbal frame.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the third extendedportion of the first gimbal frame extended part is provided with agimbal frame extended part through-hole which penetrates through thethird extended portion in the direction of the first axis, the thirdreinforcement portion is provided with a reinforcement memberthrough-hole which penetrates through the third reinforcement portion inthe direction of the first axis and is communicated with the gimbalframe extended part through-hole, the first support member is insertedinto the gimbal frame extended part through-hole and the reinforcementmember through-hole and is fixed to the third extended portion of thefirst gimbal frame extended part and the reinforcement member, and thefirst support member is protruded to a side of the movable body from thethird extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part.According to this structure, the first support member is held by thegimbal frame extended part through-hole and the reinforcement memberthrough-hole penetrating in the first axial direction and thus, thefirst support member can be moved in the first axis direction along thegimbal frame extended part through-hole and the reinforcement memberthrough-hole. As a result, a protruding amount of the first supportmember which is protruded from the gimbal frame extended part to a sideof the movable body can be adjusted. In this case, when a protrudingamount of the first support member can be adjusted, a contact pressureof the first support member with the first concave curved face can beadjusted. Further, when a protruding amount of the first support membercan be adjusted, a situation is easily avoided that the first supportmember and the first concave curved face are separated from each otherand the plate holder is unable to be turnably supported by the gimbalframe.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the reinforcementmember is provided with an adhesive injection hole, which penetratesthrough the first reinforcement portion in the direction of the opticalaxis, and a communication groove which is extended along the firstreinforcement portion, the second reinforcement portion and the thirdreinforcement portion on a surface of a side of the first gimbal frameextended part and is communicated with the adhesive injection hole.According to this structure, when an adhesive is injected into theadhesive injection hole after the reinforcement member is abutted withthe first gimbal frame extended part, the adhesive is introduced intothe communication groove. Therefore, the reinforcement member is easilyfixed to the first gimbal frame extended part.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the reinforcementmember is provided with a pair of first reinforcement member protrudedparts which are protruded toward a side of the movable body on bothsides of the first gimbal frame extended part in a circumferentialdirection around the optical axis, and a second reinforcement memberprotruded part which is protruded toward the side of the movable body inthe first direction of the first gimbal frame extended part. The firstgimbal frame extended part is provided with a pair of protruded parts ofthe first gimbal frame extended part protruded to both sides in thecircumferential direction in the first direction with respect to thepair of the first reinforcement member protruded parts and, when viewedin the direction of the optical axis, the second reinforcement memberprotruded part and the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part are overlapped with each other, and the pair of the firstreinforcement member protruded parts and the pair of the protruded partsof the first gimbal frame extended part are overlapped with each other.According to this structure, the reinforcement member is prevented fromcoming out from the first gimbal frame extended part in the firstdirection by a pair of the first reinforcement member protruded partsand a pair of the protruded parts of the first gimbal frame extendedpart. Further, the reinforcement member can be prevented from coming outfrom the first gimbal frame extended part in the second direction by thesecond reinforcement member protruded part.

In the present invention, it may be structured that the gimbal mechanismincludes a second connection mechanism which turnably connects thegimbal frame with the fixed body around the second axis, the gimbalframe is provided with a pair of second gimbal frame extended partswhich are protruded from the gimbal frame main body part to both sidesin a direction of the second axis and are extended in the firstdirection, the pair of the second gimbal frame extended parts is locatedon an outer peripheral side with respect to the movable body, and thefixed body includes a frame part which surrounds the movable body, theplate holder and the gimbal frame from an outer peripheral side. Thesecond connection mechanism includes a second support member which isprotruded to a side of the gimbal frame on the second axis from each ofdiagonal portions of the frame part in a direction of the second axis,and a second concave curved face which is provided in each of the pairof the second gimbal frame extended parts and is brought into contactwith a tip end of the second support member. According to thisstructure, the turning support mechanism can be turnably supported bythe gimbal mechanism around the second axis.

In the present invention, it may be structured that an inner peripheralface of the frame part is provided with a moving range restriction partwhich faces the reinforcement member through a first space in acircumferential direction and is abutted with the reinforcement memberwhen the gimbal frame is displaced in the circumferential direction torestrict a moving range of the gimbal frame, and a turning rangerestriction part which faces the reinforcement member through a secondspace in a direction of the first axis and is abutted with thereinforcement member when the gimbal frame is turned around the secondaxis to restrict a turning range of the gimbal frame. According to thisstructure, in a case that an external force is applied or the like, arange that the gimbal frame is moved in the circumferential directionand a range that the gimbal frame is turned around the second axis canbe restricted. Therefore, deformation and damage of the gimbal frame canbe prevented or suppressed.

According to the present invention, the turning support mechanism whichturnably supports the movable body around the optical axis is turnablysupported by the gimbal mechanism around the first axis and around thesecond axis intersecting the optical axis. Therefore, the turningsupport mechanism is capable of turning around the first axis and aroundthe second axis together with the movable body. Therefore, even when themovable body is turned around the first axis or around the second axis,the turning axis of the movable body by the turning support mechanismand the optical axis of the movable body are coincided with each other.Further, the gimbal frame of the gimbal mechanism is fixed with thereinforcement member which reinforces a portion of the gimbal frame towhich the first support member for connecting the gimbal frame with theturning support mechanism is attached. Therefore, a situation can beavoided that the gimbal frame is deformed to be unable to turnablysupport the turning support mechanism.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings that illustrate, by way of example, variousfeatures of embodiments of the invention.

Embodiments of an optical unit with a shake correction function to whichthe present invention is applied will be described below with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

Entire Structure

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an optical unit with a shakecorrection function. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the opticalunit with a shake correction function from which a flexible printedcircuit board is detached and which is viewed in a direction differentfrom in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an optical unit with ashake correction function from which a cover is detached and which isviewed in an optical axis direction. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional viewshowing the optical unit with a shake correction function which is cutby the “A-A” line in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showingthe optical unit with a shake correction function which is cut by the“B-B” line in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing anoptical unit with a shake correction function. FIG. 7 is an explanatoryperspective view showing a movable body, a turning support mechanism anda gimbal mechanism. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a movablebody, a turning support mechanism and a gimbal frame. FIG. 9 is anexploded perspective view showing a movable body, a turning supportmechanism, a gimbal frame and a first connection mechanism.

An optical unit 1 with a shake correction function includes an imagingmodule 4 having a lens 2 and an imaging element 3. The optical unit 1with a shake correction function is, for example, used in an opticaldevice such as a cell phone with a camera and a drive recorder or in anoptical device such as an action camera mounted on a movement body suchas a helmet, a bicycle, a radio-controlled helicopter or a wearablecamera. In the optical device, when a shake is occurred in the opticaldevice at the time of photographing, a disturbance is generated in aphotographed image. In order to avoid a photographed image beinginclined, the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function correctsan inclination of a movable body based on acceleration, angularvelocity, shaking amount and the like detected by a detection means suchas a gyroscope.

An optical unit 1 with a shake correction function in this embodimentperforms a shake correction by turning the imaging module 4 around anoptical axis “L”, around a first axis “R1” perpendicular to the opticalaxis “L”, and around a second axis “R2” perpendicular to the opticalaxis “L” and the first axis “R1”. Therefore, the optical unit 1 with ashake correction function performs a rolling correction, a pitchingcorrection and a yawing correction.

In the following descriptions, three axes perpendicular to each otherare defined as an “X”-axis direction, a “Y”-axis direction and a“Z”-axis direction. Further, one side in the “X”-axis direction isreferred to as a “−X” direction, and the other side is referred to as a“+X” direction. One side in the “Y”-axis direction is referred to as a“−Y” direction, and the other side is referred to as a “+Y” direction.One side in the “Z”-axis direction is referred to as a “−Z” direction(first direction), and the other side is referred to as a “+Z” direction(second direction). The “Z”-axis direction is an optical axis directionalong the optical axis “L” of the lens 2 provided in the imaging module4. The “−Z” direction is on an image side with respect to the imagingmodule 4, and the “+Z” direction is on an object side with respect tothe imaging module 4. Further, a direction along the first axis “R1” isreferred to as a first axis “R1” direction, and a direction along thesecond axis “R2” is referred to as a second axis “R2” direction. Thefirst axis “R1” and the second axis “R2” are inclined by 45 degreesaround the “Z”-axis with respect to the “X”-axis and the “Y”-axis.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical unit 1 with a shake correction functionincludes a movable body 5 having the imaging module 4 and a turningsupport mechanism 6 structured to turnably support the movable body 5around an optical axis “L”. Further, the optical unit 1 with a shakecorrection function includes a gimbal mechanism 7 structured to turnablysupport the turning support mechanism 6 around the first axis “R1” andturnably support the turning support mechanism 6 around the second axis“R2”, and a fixed body 8 which supports the movable body 5 through thegimbal mechanism 7 and the turning support mechanism 6. Therefore, themovable body 5 is swingably supported around the first axis “R1” andswingably supported around the second axis “R2” through the gimbalmechanism 7. In this embodiment, the movable body 5 is capable of beingswung around the “X”-axis and around the “Y”-axis by combining turningaround the first axis “R1” and turning around the second axis “R2”.

The optical unit 1 with a shake correction function includes, as shownin FIG. 2, a shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 10 structured toturn the movable body 5 around the first axis “R1” and around the secondaxis “R2”. The shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 10 includes afirst shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 11 structured togenerate a drive force to the movable body 5 around the “X”-axis and asecond shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 12 structured togenerate a drive force to the movable body 5 around the “Y”-axis. Thefirst shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 11 is disposed in the“−Y” direction of the movable body 5. The second shake correctionmagnetic drive mechanism 12 is disposed in the “−X” direction of themovable body 5. In addition, the optical unit 1 with a shake correctionfunction includes, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, a rolling correctionmagnetic drive mechanism 13 structured to turn the movable body 5 aroundthe optical axis “L”. The first shake correction magnetic drivemechanism 11, the second shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 12and the rolling correction magnetic drive mechanism 13 are arranged in acircumferential direction around the optical axis “L”. When viewed in adirection perpendicular to the optical axis “L”, the rolling correctionmagnetic drive mechanism 13 is overlapped with the shake correctionmagnetic drive mechanism 10. In this embodiment, the rolling correctionmagnetic drive mechanism 13 and the first shake correction magneticdrive mechanism 11 are disposed at a position where they face each otherwith the optical axis “L” interposed therebetween. Further, as shown inFIG. 1, the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function includes aflexible printed circuit board 15 which is attached to the fixed body 8.In addition, the optical unit 1 with a shake correction functionincludes a flexible printed circuit board not shown which is extendedoutside from an end portion in the first direction of the movable body5.

Further, the optical unit 1 with a shake correction function includes acover 9 in a frame shape which is fixed to an end face in the “+Z”direction of the fixed body 8. When viewed in the “Z”-axis direction,the cover 9 is located on an outer peripheral side with respect to themovable body 5.

Movable Body

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, the movable body 5 includes the imagingmodule 4 and an imaging module holder 16 which surrounds the imagingmodule 4 from an outer peripheral side. Further, the movable body 5 isprovided with a movable body main body part 17 and a movable bodyprotruded part 18 protruded in the “+Z” direction from the movable bodymain body part 17. The movable body protruded part 18 is a lens-barrelof the imaging module 4. A lens 2 is accommodated in the movable bodyprotruded part 18. The movable body main body part 17 is structured ofthe imaging module holder 16 and a portion of the imaging module 4 whichis located on an inner peripheral side of the imaging module holder 16.The imaging element 3 is accommodated in the movable body main body part17. The imaging element 3 is disposed on the optical axis “L” of thelens 2 in the “−Z” direction with respect to the lens 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, a shape of the movable body main body part 17 whichis viewed from an upper side is formed in a substantially octagonalshape. In other words, the movable body main body part 17 is, as shownin FIG. 9, provided with a first side wall 21 and a second side wall 22which are extended in parallel to the “Y” direction, and a third sidewall 23 and a fourth side wall 24 which are extended in parallel to the“X” direction. The first side wall 21 is located in the “−X” directionwith respect to the second side wall 22. The third side wall 23 islocated in the “−Y” direction with respect to the fourth side wall 24.Further, the movable body main body part 17 is provided with a fifthside wall 25 and a sixth side wall 26 which are located at diagonalpositions in the first axis “R1” direction, and a seventh side wall 27and an eighth side wall 28 which are located at diagonal positions inthe second axis “R2” direction. The fifth side wall 25 is located in the“−X” direction with respect to the sixth side wall 26. The seventh sidewall 27 is located in the “−Y” direction with respect to the eighth sidewall 28.

The movable body protruded part 18 is protruded from a center portion ofthe movable body main body part 17. As shown in FIG. 4, the movable bodyprotruded part 18 is provided with a cylindrical tube portion 30 whichhas a constant outer diameter dimension and is extended in the opticalaxis direction, and a small diameter tube portion 31 whose outerdiameter dimension is smaller than that of the cylindrical tube portion30 in the “+Z” direction with respect to the cylindrical tube portion30. The cylindrical tube portion 30 and the small diameter tube portion31 are connected with each other through a ring-shaped face which facesthe “+Z” direction.

As shown in FIG. 9, the first magnet 35 is fixed to the first side wall21 of the movable body 5. The first magnet 35 is divided into two piecesin the “Z”-axis direction. The second magnet 36 is fixed to the thirdside wall 23 of the movable body 5. The second magnet 36 is divided intotwo pieces in the “Z”-axis direction. The third magnet 37 is fixed tothe fourth side wall 24 of the movable body 5. The third magnet 37 isdivided into two pieces in a circumferential direction.

Turning Support Mechanism

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing the turning supportmechanism 6. As shown in FIG. 10, the turning support mechanism 6includes a plate roll 41 which is fixed to the movable body 5, a plateholder 42 provided with a facing part 55 which faces the plate roll 41in the “Z”-axis direction, a turning mechanism 44 which includes aplurality of spherical bodies 43 capable of rolling in a contacted statewith the plate roll 41 and the facing part, and a pressurizationmechanism 45 which urges the plate roll 41 and the plate holder 42 in adirection approaching each other.

The plate roll 41 is made of metal. The plate roll 41 is provided with aplate roll ring-shaped part 47 surrounding the optical axis “L” and apair of plate roll extended parts 48 which are protruded from the plateroll ring-shaped part 47 to both sides in the second axis “R2” directionand are extended in the first direction. The plate roll ring-shaped part47 is provided with a plate roll ring-shape plate 50 and a bent portion51 in a cylindrical shape which is bent in the first direction from anend edge on an inner peripheral side of the plate roll 41. As shown inFIG. 8, an end face in the “−Z” direction of the plate roll ring-shapeplate 50 is provided with a plate roll ring-shaped groove 52 at a centerin a radial direction. The bent portion 51 is provided with a taperedinner circumferential face 51 a which is inclined to an outer peripheralside toward an end in the “−Z” direction. The cylindrical tube portion30 of the movable body protruded part 18 is inserted into the bentportion 51 from the “−Z” direction side and is fitted to the bentportion 51.

As shown in FIG. 10, each of a pair of the plate roll extended parts 48is provided with a fixing part 53, which is fixed to the movable body 5,in an end portion in the “−Z” direction. The fixing part 53 is providedat both end edges in the circumferential direction with a plurality ofprotruded parts 53 a in a wedge shape whose width in the circumferentialdirection is enlarged toward the “+Z” direction. Further, the fixingpart 53 is provided with a rectangular protruded part 53 b on an outerside face in the second axis “R2” direction. A protruding amount in thesecond axis “R2” direction of the rectangular protruded part 53 b isincreased toward the “+Z” direction.

The plate holder 42 is, as shown in FIG. 10, provided with a plateholder ring-shaped part 56 surrounding the movable body protruded part18 and a pair of plate holder extended parts 57 which are protruded fromthe plate holder ring-shaped part 56 toward both sides in the first axis“R1” direction and are extended in the “−Z” direction. The plate holderring-shaped part 56 is the facing part 55 which faces the plate rollring-shaped part 47 in the “Z”-axis direction. The plate holderring-shaped part 56 is provided with a plate holder ring-shaped plate 58and a plate holder ring-shaped wall 59 which is extended in the “+Z”direction from an end edge on an outer peripheral side of the plateholder ring-shaped plate 58. An end face in the “+Z” direction of theplate holder ring-shaped plate 58 is provided with a plurality of plateholder circular arc grooves 60 which are separated from each other inthe circumferential direction. A plurality of the plate holder circulararc grooves 60 is extended in the circumferential direction, and each ofthe plate holder circular arc grooves 60 faces the plate rollring-shaped groove 52. A plurality of the plate holder circular arcgrooves 60 is provided at equal angular intervals. In this embodiment,the plate holder ring-shaped plate 58 is provided with six plate holdercircular arc grooves 60.

Each of a pair of the plate holder extended parts 57 is provided with afirst plate holder extended portion 57 a, which is extended from anupper end portion of the plate holder ring-shaped wall 59 in a directionseparated from the plate holder ring-shaped part 56 along the first axis“R1” direction, a second plate holder extended portion 57 b which isinclined in the “−Z” direction from an end on an outer peripheral sideof the first plate holder extended portion 57 a toward a directionseparated from the plate holder ring-shaped part 56, and a third plateholder extended portion 57 c which is extended from an end in the “−Z”direction of the second plate holder extended portion 57 b in the “−Z”direction on an outer peripheral side with respect to the movable body5. As shown in FIG. 8, the third plate holder extended portion 57 c ofone of the plate holder extended parts 57 faces the fifth side wall 25of the movable body 5 through a slight gap space in the first axis “R1”direction. The third plate holder extended portion 57 c of the other ofthe plate holder extended parts 57 faces the sixth side wall 26 of themovable body 5 through a slight gap space in the first axis “R1”direction. Further, each of the third plate holder extended portions 57c is provided with a first concave curved face 61 which is recessed to aside of the movable body 5 on a line of the first axis “R1”. The firstconcave curved face 61 structures a first connection mechanism 76 of thegimbal mechanism 7 together with a first support member 81 describedbelow.

As shown in FIG. 10, the turning mechanism 44 includes a plurality ofspherical bodies 43 and a retainer 65. The retainer 65 is provided witha plurality of spherical body holding holes 65 a each of which holdseach of the spherical bodies 43 so as to be capable of rolling. In thisembodiment, the turning mechanism 44 includes six spherical bodies 43.Therefore, the retainer 65 is provided with the spherical body holdingholes 65 a which are capable of holding the six spherical bodies 43. Anend portion in the “−Z” direction of each of the spherical bodies 43 ispartly inserted into each of the plate holder circular arc grooves 60.The retainer 65 is provided with a ring-shaped retainer main body part66 in which the spherical body holding holes 65 a penetrate through inthe “Z”-axis direction and four retainer protruded parts 67 which areprotruded on both sides in a radial direction from a plurality ofportions in the circumferential direction of the retainer main body part66. The spherical body 43 is held by the spherical body holding hole 65a and is protruded in the “−Z” direction and in the “+Z” direction fromthe retainer 65. The spherical body holding hole 65 a is provided with acurved surface shape in a circular arc shape whose inside diameterdimension is decreased toward the “+Z” direction. Therefore, therespective spherical bodies 43 are covered by the retainer 65 from the“+Z” direction side.

Each of the retainer protruded parts 67 is provided with an outer sideprotruded part 67 a protruded to an outer side in the radial directionand an inner side protruded part 67 b protruded to an inner side in theradial direction. Four retainer protruded parts 67 are provided atintervals of 90°. In a state that the retainer 65 is disposed betweenthe plate holder ring-shaped part 56 and the plate roll ring-shaped part47, the plate holder ring-shaped wall 59 of the plate holder ring-shapedpart 56 is abutted with the outer side protruded part 67 a from an outerside in the radial direction. In other words, the plate holderring-shaped wall 59 is an abutting part which is abutted with theretainer protruded part 67 in the radial direction. Further, the bentportion 51 of the plate roll ring-shaped part 47 is abutted with theinner side protruded part 67 b from an inner side in the radialdirection. In other words, the bent portion 51 of the plate rollring-shaped part 47 is an abutting part which is abutted with theretainer protruded part 67 in the radial direction. The retainer 65 ispositioned in the radial direction by abutting the retainer protrudedpart 67 with the plate holder ring-shaped part 56 and the plate rollring-shaped part 47.

The pressurization mechanism 45 includes a plate spring 70 which isfixed to the plate roll ring-shaped part 47. The plate spring 70 isformed in a circular ring shape. The plate spring 70 is formed in atapered shape whose inner peripheral side is inclined toward the “+Z”direction. As shown in FIG. 8, an inner circumferential edge of theplate spring 70 is fixed to an end face in the “−Z” direction of thebent portion 51 of the plate roll ring-shaped part 47. An outerperipheral side portion of the plate spring 70 is abutted with the plateholder ring-shaped part 56 from the “−Z” direction side in a state thatthe outer peripheral side portion is resiliently bent in the “−Z”direction. More specifically, the plate holder ring-shaped part 56 isprovided with a thin thickness portion 56 a which is recessed in the“+Z” direction in an end edge portion on the inner peripheral side. Anouter peripheral side portion of the plate spring 70 is abutted with thethin thickness portion 56 a from a side in the “−Z” direction in a statethat the outer peripheral side portion is elastically deformed in adirection separated from the plate roll ring-shaped part 47. Therefore,the plate spring 70 urges the plate holder 42 (plate holder ring-shapedpart 56) toward the plate roll 41 (plate roll ring-shaped part 47) byits own elastic restoration force.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the movable body 5 is providedwith a plate roll fixing hole 72, into which the fixing part 53 of eachof a pair of the plate roll extended parts 48 is inserted, on each ofboth end portions in the second axis “R2” direction of the movable bodymain body part 17. The plate roll fixing hole 72 is provided in theimaging module holder 16. The plate roll fixing holes 72 are provided inparallel to the seventh side wall 27 and the eighth side wall 28 and areextended in the “−Z” direction.

The turning support mechanism 6 is fixed to the movable body 5 bypress-fitting the fixing part 53 of each of the plate roll extendedparts 48 of the plate roll 41 into each of the plate roll fixing holes72. When the fixing part 53 is to be inserted into the plate roll fixinghole 72, the movable body protruded part 18 is inserted into a centerhole of the plate roll ring-shaped plate 50, and the movable bodyprotruded part 18 is fitted to the bent portion 51. As a result, theplate roll 41 is coaxially positioned with the movable body protrudedpart 18. In other words, the plate roll 41 is positioned with theoptical axis “L” as a reference. Further, when the fixing part 53 ofeach of the plate roll extended parts 48 is press-fitted to each of theplate roll fixing holes 72, the protruded parts 53 a and the protrudedpart 53 b of the fixing part 53 are plastically deformed to be in acrushed state. As a result, the plate roll 41 and the movable body 5 arefixed to each other. When the plate roll 41 and the movable body 5 arefixed to each other, the movable body 5 is integrally turnable with theplate roll 41 around the optical axis “L”.

Gimbal Mechanism

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view showing a gimbal frame, areinforcement member and a first support member. As shown in FIG. 4, thegimbal mechanism 7 includes a gimbal frame 75 and a first connectionmechanism 76 which turnably connects the gimbal frame 75 with the plateholder 42 around the first axis “R1”. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, thegimbal mechanism 7 includes a second connection mechanism 77 whichturnably connects the gimbal frame 75 with the fixed body 8 around thesecond axis “R2”. The first connection mechanism 76 includes a firstsupport member 81, which is protruded from the gimbal frame 75 to a sideof the plate holder 42 on the first axis “R1”, and a first concavecurved face 61 which is provided in the plate holder 42 and is turnablybrought into contact with a tip end of the first support member 81. Thesecond connection mechanism 77 includes a second support member 82,which is protruded from the fixed body 8 to a side of the gimbal frame75 on the second axis “R2”, and a second concave curved face 83 which isprovided in the gimbal frame 75 and is brought into contact with a tipend of the second support member 82. As shown in FIG. 11, areinforcement member 100 is fixed to the gimbal frame 75 for reinforcinga portion of the gimbal frame 75 where the first axis “R1” is passed.

Gimbal Frame

The gimbal frame 75 is structured of a plate spring made of metal. Asshown in FIG. 9, the gimbal frame 75 is provided with a gimbal framemain body part 85 located in the “+Z” direction with respect to theplate holder 42, a pair of first gimbal frame extended parts 86 whichare protruded from the gimbal frame main body part 85 to both sides inthe first axis “R1” direction and are extended in the “−Z” direction,and a pair of second gimbal frame extended parts 87 which are protrudedfrom the gimbal frame main body part 85 to both sides in the second axis“R2” direction and are extended in the “−Z” direction. The gimbal framemain body part 85 is provided with a center plate portion 85 a in asubstantially rectangular shape which is extended in the first axis “R1”direction, a first inclined plate portion 85 b which is inclined in the“+Z” direction from one side (“−Y” direction side) in the second axis“R2” direction of the center plate portion 85 a, and a second inclinedplate portion 85 c which is inclined in the “+Z” direction from theother side (“+Y” direction side) in the second axis “R2” direction ofthe center plate portion 85 a. Further, the gimbal frame main body part85 is provided at its center with an opening part 90 which penetratesthrough in the “Z”-axis direction. The movable body protruded part 18 isinserted into the opening part 90.

A pair of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86 is located on theouter peripheral side with respect to the plate holder 42. As shown inFIG. 11, each of a pair of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86 isprovided with a first extended portion 86 a of the first gimbal frameextended part 86 which is extended in the first axis “R1” direction soas to be separated from the gimbal frame main body part 85, a secondextended portion 86 b of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 whichis inclined in the “−Z” direction from a tip end of the first extendedportion 86 a of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 toward adirection separated from the gimbal frame main body part 85 in the firstaxis “R1” direction, and a third extended portion 86 c of the firstgimbal frame extended part 86 which is extended in the “−Z” directionfrom an end in the “−Z” direction of the second extended portion 86 b ofthe first gimbal frame extended part 86 on the outer peripheral sidewith respect to the plate holder 42.

The first extended portion 86 a of the first gimbal frame extended part86 is extended from the center plate portion 85 a in the first axis “R1”direction. The third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frameextended part 86 is provided with a gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole 92 which penetrates through in the first axis “R1”direction. Further, the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbalframe extended part 86 is provided with a support member fixing tubepart 93 which is protruded from an opening edge of the gimbal frameextended part through-hole 92 toward an opposite side (reinforcementmember side) to the movable body 5 in the first axis “R1” direction. Inaddition, the first gimbal frame extended part 86 is provided with apair of protruded parts 94 of the first gimbal frame extended part 86which are protruded from both sides in the circumferential direction ofthe third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part86 with the gimbal frame extended part through-hole 92 interposedtherebetween.

In this embodiment, the first support member 81 is formed in acylindrical shape and is extended in the first axis “R1” direction onthe first axis “R1”. An end part on the movable body 5 side of the firstsupport member 81 is provided with a hemispherical face. The firstsupport member 81 is inserted into and held by the support member fixingtube part 93. An end part on the movable body 5 side of the firstsupport member 81 is protruded to the movable body 5 side from the thirdextended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86.

A pair of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 is located on theouter peripheral side with respect to the movable body 5. Each of a pairof the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 is provided with a firstextended portion 87 a of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87,which is extended in the second axis “R2” direction so as to beseparated from the gimbal frame main body part 85, a second extendedportion 87 b of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87, which isinclined in the “−Z” direction from a tip end of the first extendedportion 87 a of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 toward adirection separated from the gimbal frame main body part 85 in thesecond axis “R2” direction, and a third extended portion 87 c of thesecond gimbal frame extended parts 87 which is extended in the “−Z”direction from an end in the “−Z” direction of the second extendedportion 87 b of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 on the outerperipheral side with respect to the movable body 5. The first extendedportion 87 a of one of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 whichis located in the “−Y” direction is extended in the second axis “R2”direction from an end edge on the outer peripheral side of the firstinclined plate portion 85 b. The first extended portion 87 a of theother of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 which is located inthe “+Y” direction is extended in the second axis “R2” direction from anend edge on the outer peripheral side of the second inclined plateportion 85 c. The third extended portion 87 c of each of the secondgimbal frame extended parts 87 is provided with a second concave curvedface 83 which is recessed in the second axis “R2” direction. Further,the second gimbal frame extended part 87 is provided with a pair ofprotruded parts 95 which are protruded in the circumferential directionfrom both sides in the circumferential direction of the third extendedportion 87 c of the second gimbal frame extended part 87 with the secondconcave curved face 83 interposed therebetween. In this embodiment, thesecond concave curved face 83 structures the second connection mechanism77 together with a second support member 82 of the fixed body 8described below.

Reinforcement Member

As shown in FIG. 11, the reinforcement member 100 is provided with afirst reinforcement portion 100 a which is located in the “+Z” directionof the first extended portion 86 a of the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86, a second reinforcement portion 100 b which is extended from anend on the outer peripheral side of the first reinforcement portion 100a along the second extended portion 86 b of the first gimbal frameextended part 86, and a third reinforcement portion 100 c which isextended from an end in the “−Z” direction of the second extendedportion 86 b of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 along the thirdextended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86. Thethird reinforcement portion 100 c is located on an outer side in theradial direction of the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbalframe extended part 86. In a state that the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 and the reinforcement member 100 are overlapped with each other,a thickness of the reinforcement member 100 in the laminated directionis thicker than that of the first gimbal frame extended part 86.Rigidity of the reinforcement member 100 is higher than rigidity of thefirst gimbal frame extended part 86. The reinforcement member 100 ismade of resin.

The reinforcement member 100 is provided with an adhesive injection hole101 which penetrates through the first reinforcement portion 100 a inthe “Z”-axis direction, and a communication groove 102 which is extendedon a face on the first gimbal frame extended part 86 side along thefirst reinforcement portion 100 a, the second reinforcement portion 100b and the third reinforcement portion 100 c and is communicated with theadhesive injection hole 101. In addition, the third reinforcementportion 100 c is provided with a reinforcement member through-hole 103which penetrates in the first axis “R1” direction and is communicatedwith the gimbal frame extended part through-hole 92. The reinforcementmember through-hole 103 has an inside diameter dimension so that thesupport member fixing tube part 93 of the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 is capable of being inserted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the reinforcement member 100 is attached to thefirst gimbal frame extended part 86 by inserting the support memberfixing tube part 93 into the reinforcement member through-hole 103 ofthe third reinforcement portion 100 c. Therefore, the first supportmember 81 inserted into the support member fixing tube part 93 issupported by the first gimbal frame extended part 86 and thereinforcement member 100. In this state, when an adhesive is injectedinto the adhesive injection hole 101, the adhesive flows thecommunication groove 102 and exists between the reinforcement member 100and the first gimbal frame extended part 86. The reinforcement member100 and the first gimbal frame extended part 86 are fixed to each otherby the adhesive of the communication groove 102.

The reinforcement member 100 is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11, providedwith a pair of first reinforcement member protruded parts 104 which are,when the reinforcement member 100 is attached to the first gimbal frameextended part 86, protruded toward the movable body 5 side on both sidesof the first gimbal frame extended part 86 in the circumferentialdirection around the optical axis “L”. A pair of the first reinforcementmember protruded parts 104 is located in the “+Z” direction with respectto a pair of the protruded parts 94 of the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 provided in the first gimbal frame extended part 86. When viewedin the “Z”-axis direction, a pair of the first reinforcement memberprotruded parts 104 and a pair of the protruded parts 94 of the firstgimbal frame extended part 86 are overlapped with each other. Inaddition, the reinforcement member 100 is provided with a secondreinforcement member protruded part 105 which is protruded toward themovable body 5 side in the “−Z” direction with respect to the firstgimbal frame extended part 86. When viewed in the “Z”-axis direction,the second reinforcement member protruded part 105 and the thirdextended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 areoverlapped with each other.

First Connection Mechanism

In this embodiment, a pair of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86is located on the outer peripheral side with respect to the movable body5. A pair of the plate holder extended parts 57 is located between apair of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86 and the movable body 5.Further, the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frameextended part 86 which holds the first support member 81 and the thirdplate holder extended portion 57 c provided with the first concavecurved face 61 face each other on the first axis “R1”. The firstconnection mechanism 76 is structured so that a tip end of the firstsupport member 81 protruded toward the movable body 5 side from thefirst gimbal frame extended part 86 is brought into contact with thefirst concave curved face 61. In this embodiment, the first supportmember 81 and the first concave curved face 61 are brought intopoint-contact with each other. As a result, the turning supportmechanism 6 is turnably supported by the gimbal frame 75 through thefirst connection mechanism 76. Therefore, the movable body 5 which issupported by the turning support mechanism 6 is turnably supported bythe gimbal mechanism 7 around the first axis “R1”.

In a state that the movable body 5 and the turning support mechanism 6are supported by the gimbal mechanism 7, the gimbal frame main body part85, the plate roll ring-shaped part 47 and the plate holder ring-shapedpart 56 are located in the “+Z” direction with respect to the movablebody main body part 17 and on the outer peripheral side with respect tothe movable body protruded part 18. The plate roll ring-shaped part 47is located between the gimbal frame main body part 85 and the movablebody main body part 17 in the “Z”-axis direction. The plate holderring-shaped part 56 is located between the gimbal frame main body part85 and the movable body main body part 17 in the “Z”-axis direction.Further, the plate roll ring-shaped part 47 and the plate holderring-shaped part 56 are located in the “+Z” direction with respect tothe first axis “R1” and the second axis “R2”. In addition, the gimbalframe main body part 85, the plate roll ring-shaped part 47 and theplate holder ring-shaped part 56 are located in the “+Z” direction withrespect to the imaging element 3.

Fixed Body

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a case and a gimbal framereceiving member which structure the fixed body 8. FIG. 13 is anexploded perspective view showing a case and a gimbal frame receivingmember. As shown in FIG. 1, the fixed body 8 includes a case 109 made ofresin. The case 109 is provided with a frame part 110 which surroundsthe movable body 5, the turning support mechanism 6 and the gimbal frame75 from the outer peripheral side. The frame part 110 is formed in arectangular shape. The frame part 110 is, as shown in FIG. 12, providedwith a first frame portion 111 and a second frame portion 112 facingeach other in the “X” direction, and a third frame portion 113 and afourth frame portion 114 facing each other in the “Y” direction. Thefirst frame portion 111 is located in the “−X” direction with respect tothe second frame portion 112. The third frame portion 113 is located inthe “−Y” direction with respect to the fourth frame portion 114.

The first frame portion 111 is provided with a first coil fixing hole111 a. As shown in FIG. 2, a first coil 115 is fixed to the first coilfixing hole 111 a. The third frame portion 113 is provided with a secondcoil fixing hole 113 a. A second coil 116 is fixed to the second coilfixing hole 113 a. Each of the first coil 115 and the second coil 116 isan air core coil in an elliptical shape which is long in thecircumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the fourth frame portion114 is provided with a third coil fixing hole 114 a. As shown in FIG. 1,a third coil 117 is disposed in the third coil fixing hole 114 a. Thethird coil 117 is an air core coil which is long in the “Z”-axisdirection. In this embodiment, the first coil 115, the second coil 116and the third coil 117 are electrically connected with the flexibleprinted circuit board 15. The flexible printed circuit board 15 isextended along outer peripheral faces of the fourth frame portion 114,the first frame portion 111 and the third frame portion 113 of the framepart 110 in this order. As shown in FIG. 12, the second frame portion112 is provided with an opening part 112 a. A flexible printed circuitboard (not shown) which is extended from the imaging module 4 of themovable body 5 is extended in the “+X” direction with respect to theframe part 110 through the opening part 112 a.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, each of diagonal portions of the frame part110 in the first axis “R1” direction is provided with a groove part 120which is recessed to an outer side in the radial direction and isextended in the “Z”-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the groove part120 is defined by a bottom face 120 a extended in the “Z”-axis directionand a pair of side faces 120 b which are extended to the innerperipheral side from both ends in the circumferential direction aroundthe optical axis “L” of the bottom face 120 a.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 12, each of diagonal portions of the frame part110 in the second axis “R2” direction is fixed with a second supportmember 82 which is protruded to a side of the gimbal frame 75 on thesecond axis “R2”. The second support member 82 is a spherical body. Morespecifically, as shown in FIG. 13, each of the diagonal portions in thesecond axis “R2” direction of the frame part 110 is provided with arecessed part 121 which is recessed to an outer side in the radialdirection. Each of the recessed parts 121 is defined by a bottom face121 a extended in the second axis “R2” direction, a rear face 121 bwhich is extended in the “+Z” direction from an outer peripheral end ofthe bottom face 121 a, and a pair of side faces 121 c which are extendedin the “+Z” direction from both ends in the circumferential directionaround the optical axis “L” of the bottom face 121 a. The bottom face121 a is provided with a first groove 121 d extended in the second axis“R2” direction with a constant width in its center portion in thecircumferential direction. The rear face 121 b is provided with a secondgroove 121 e extended in the “Z”-axis direction with a constant width inits center portion in the circumferential direction. The first groove121 d and the second groove 121 e are communicated with each other.

As shown in FIG. 12, the gimbal frame receiving member 125 is fixed toeach of the recessed parts 121. As shown in FIG. 13, the gimbal framereceiving member 125 includes the second support member 82 and a thrustreceiving member 126 to which the second support member 82 is fixed. Thethrust receiving member 126 and the second support member 82 are made ofmetal. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 13, the thrust receiving member 126 isprovided with a first plate part 131 in a plate shape extended in the“Z”-axis direction, a second plate part 132 which is bent at asubstantially right angle from an end part in the “−Z” direction of thefirst plate part 131 and is extended to an inner side in the radialdirection, and a pair of third plate parts 133 which are bent at asubstantially right angle from both sides in the circumferentialdirection in an end part in the “+Z” direction of the first plate part131 and are extended to an inner side in the radial direction. End partson the inner peripheral side of a pair of the third plate parts 133 arebent in directions separated from each other in the circumferentialdirection. A second support member fixing hole 131 a is provided in thefirst plate part 131. The second support member fixing hole 131 a islocated between the second plate part 132 and a pair of the third plateparts 133 in the “Z”-axis direction. The second support member 82 isfixed to the first plate part 131 by welding in a state that a part onthe outer peripheral side of the second support member 82 is partlyfitted to the second support member fixing hole 131 a. The secondsupport member 82 is protruded to the inner peripheral side from thefirst plate part 131.

When the gimbal frame receiving member 125 is to be inserted to therecessed part 121 of the case 109, as shown in FIG. 12, a pair of thethird plate parts 133 of the thrust receiving member 126 is abutted witha pair of the side faces 121 c of the recessed part 121. As a result,the second support member 82 is positioned in the circumferentialdirection around the optical axis “L”. Further, the second plate part132 of the thrust receiving member 126 is abutted with the bottom face121 a of the recessed part 121. As a result, the second support member82 is positioned in the “Z”-axis (optical axis “L”) direction. Thethrust receiving member 126 is fixed to the recessed part 121 by anadhesive applied to the first groove 121 d and the second groove 121 e.When the thrust receiving member 126 is fixed to the recessed part 121,the second support member 82 is located on the second axis “R2” line andis protruded to the inner peripheral side from the first plate part 131of the thrust receiving member 126 which is fixed to the frame part 110.

Second Connection Mechanism

When the movable body 5 is to be turnably supported around the secondaxis “R2” line by the gimbal mechanism 7, the gimbal frame 75 by whichthe movable body 5 and the turning support mechanism 6 are supported isdisposed on an inner side of the frame part 110. Further, as shown inFIG. 4, the first gimbal frame extended parts 86 and the reinforcementmembers 100 are inserted to the groove parts 120 provided in thediagonal portions of the frame part 110. In addition, as shown in FIG.5, the second support member 82 (spherical body) disposed in thediagonal portion of the frame part 110 and the third extended portion 87c of the second gimbal frame extended part 87 having the second concavecurved face 83 are faced each other. In addition, a tip end portion ofthe second support member 82 is inserted to the second concave curvedface 83 and is brought into contact with the second concave curved face83. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a pair of the protruded parts 95 of thesecond gimbal frame extended part 87 is inserted between a pair of thethird plate parts 133 and the second plate part 132 of the thrustreceiving member 126. In this manner, the second connection mechanism 77is structured and thus, the turning support mechanism 6 is turnablysupported by the gimbal mechanism 7 around the second axis “R2”. Inother words, the turning support mechanism 6 is turnably supportedaround the first axis “R1” and is turnably supported around the secondaxis “R2” by the gimbal mechanism 7. Therefore, the movable body 5supported by the turning support mechanism 6 is also turnably supportedaround the first axis “R1” and is also turnably supported around thesecond axis “R2” by the gimbal mechanism 7.

In this embodiment, the gimbal frame 75 is a plate spring and thus, thesecond gimbal frame extended part 87 is elastically deformable in thesecond axis “R2” direction. Therefore, when the second support member 82and the second concave curved face 83 of the second gimbal frameextended part 87 are to be brought into contact with each other, thesecond gimbal frame extended part 87 is resiliently bent to the innerperipheral side and is brought into contact with the second supportmember 82. As a result, the second gimbal frame extended part 87 iselastically brought into contact with the second support member 82 fromthe inner peripheral side by an elastic restoration force toward theouter peripheral side. Therefore, release of connection between thesecond gimbal frame extended part 87 and the frame part 110 can beprevented or suppressed.

Shake Correction Magnetic Drive Mechanism and Rolling CorrectionMagnetic Drive Mechanism

In a state that the movable body 5 and the turning support mechanism 6are supported by the gimbal mechanism 7, the first magnet 35 fixed tothe first side wall 21 of the movable body 5 and the first coil 115 faceeach other through a gap space in the “X” direction. The first magnet 35and the first coil 115 structure the second shake correction magneticdrive mechanism 12. Further, the second magnet 36 fixed to the thirdside wall 23 of the movable body 5 and the second coil 116 face eachother through a gap space in the “Y” direction. The second magnet 36 andthe second coil 116 structure the first shake correction magnetic drivemechanism 11. Therefore, the movable body 5 is turned around the“Y”-axis by supplying power to the first coil 115. Further, the movablebody 5 is turned around the “X”-axis by supplying power to the secondcoil 116. The shake correction magnetic drive mechanism 10 combinesturning around the “Y”-axis of the movable body 5 by the first shakecorrection magnetic drive mechanism 11 and turning around the “X”-axisof the movable body 5 by the second shake correction magnetic drivemechanism 12 to turn the movable body 5 around the first axis “R1” andaround the second axis “R2”.

Further, in a state that the movable body 5 is disposed on the innerperipheral side with respect to the frame part 110, the third magnet 37fixed to the fourth side wall 24 of the movable body 5 and the thirdcoil 117 face each other through a gap space in the “Y” direction. Thethird magnet 37 and the third coil 117 structure the rolling correctionmagnetic drive mechanism 13. Therefore, the movable body 5 is turnedaround the optical axis “L” by supplying power to the third coil 117.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a gap space “D1” in the“Z”-axis direction between the second gimbal frame extended part 87 andthe plate roll extended part 48 is larger than a gap space “D2” in the“Z”-axis direction between the first gimbal frame extended part 86 andthe plate holder extended part 57. Therefore, when the turning supportmechanism 6 is turned around the first axis “R1” by the gimbal mechanism7, the turning support mechanism 6 is restrained from being brought intocontact with the second gimbal frame extended part 87.

Further, in a state that the gimbal frame 75 is connected with the framepart 110 through the second connection mechanism 77, a pair of the firstgimbal frame extended parts 86 of the gimbal frame 75 and thereinforcement members 100 are disposed on inner sides of the grooveparts 120 provided in the diagonal portions in the first axis “R1”direction of the frame part 110. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3,each of a pair of the side faces 120 b of the groove part 120 faces thereinforcement member 100 with a first predetermined space interposedtherebetween in the circumferential direction around the optical axis“L”. A pair of the side faces 120 b of the groove part 120 functions asa moving range restriction part 145 which is capable of abutting withthe reinforcement member 100 when the gimbal frame 75 is displaced inthe circumferential direction to restrict a moving range of the gimbalframe 75. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bottom face 120 a ofthe groove part 120 which is located on an outer side in the radialdirection with respect to the reinforcement member 100 faces thereinforcement member 100 through a second space in the first axis “R1”direction. The bottom face 120 a of the groove part 120 functions as aturning range restriction part 146 which is capable of abutting with thereinforcement member 100 when the gimbal frame 75 is turned around thesecond axis “R2” to restrict a turning range of the gimbal frame 75.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a first magnetic plate141 in a rectangular shape is disposed on the outer peripheral side ofthe first coil 115. A second magnetic plate 142 in a rectangular shapeis disposed on the outer peripheral side of the second coil 116. Thefirst magnetic plate 141 faces the first magnet 35 of the movable body 5and structures a magnetic spring for returning the movable body 5 to aturning reference position in a turning direction around the “Y”-axis.The second magnetic plate 142 faces the second magnet 36 of the movablebody 5 and structures a magnetic spring for returning the movable body 5to a turning reference position in a turning direction around the“X”-axis. Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a third magnetic plate 143in a rectangular shape is disposed on the outer peripheral side of thethird coil 117. The third magnetic plate 143 faces the third magnet 37of the movable body 5 and structures a magnetic spring for returning themovable body 5 to a turning reference position in a turning directionaround the optical axis “L”.

Operations and Effects

According to this embodiment, the turning support mechanism 6 whichturnably supports the movable body 5 around the optical axis “L” isturnably supported by the gimbal mechanism 7 around the first axis “R1”and around the second axis “R2” intersecting the optical axis “L”.Therefore, the turning support mechanism 6 is capable of turning aroundthe first axis “R1” and around the second axis “R2” together with themovable body 5. Therefore, even when the movable body 5 is turned aroundthe first axis “R1” or around the second axis “R2”, the turning axis ofthe movable body 5 by the turning support mechanism 6 and the opticalaxis “L” of the movable body 5 are coincided with each other.Accordingly, in a case that the movable body 5 is turning around thefirst axis “R1” or around the second axis “R2”, when the rollingcorrection magnetic drive mechanism 13 is driven to turn the movablebody 5, the movable body 5 is turned around the optical axis “L”.

In this embodiment, the turning support mechanism 6 which supports themovable body 5 is supported by the gimbal frame 75 through the firstconnection mechanism 76. Therefore, in comparison with a structure thatthe gimbal frame 75 supports only the movable body 5 through the firstconnection mechanism 76, a large load is applied to a portion of thegimbal frame 75 structuring the first connection mechanism 76 (portionof the gimbal frame where the first axis “R1” is passed and itsperiphery). Further, when the gimbal frame 75 is deformed due to a loadfrom the first connection mechanism 76, there may be occurred that thefirst support member 81 and the first concave curved face 61 of theplate holder 42 are separated from each other and the plate holder 42 isunable to be turnably supported by the gimbal frame 75. In order toprevent such a problem, the gimbal frame 75 is fixed with thereinforcement member 100 for reinforcing a portion of the gimbal frame75 where the first axis “R1” is passed. Therefore, deformation of thegimbal frame 75 can be prevented or suppressed. Accordingly, a situationcan be avoided that the plate holder 42 is unable to be turnablysupported by the gimbal frame 75.

Further, in this embodiment, the gimbal frame 75 is provided with thegimbal frame main body part 85 located in the “+Z” direction of theturning support mechanism 6 and a pair of the first gimbal frameextended parts 86 which are protruded from the frame main body part 85to both sides in the first axis “R1” direction and are extended in the“−Z” direction. A pair of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86 islocated on the outer peripheral side with respect to the movable body 5.Further, each of a pair of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86 isprovided with the first extended portion 86 a of the first gimbal frameextended part 86 which is extended in a direction separated from theframe main body part in the first axis “R1” direction, the secondextended portion 86 b of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 whichis inclined in a direction separated from the frame main body parttoward the “−Z” direction from a tip end of the first extended portion86 a of the first gimbal frame extended part 86, and the third extendedportion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 which isextended from an end in the “−Z” direction of the second extendedportion 86 b of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 in the “−Z”direction on the outer peripheral side with respect to the turningsupport mechanism 6. The first support member 81 is protruded to a sideof the movable body 5 from the third extended portion 86 c of the firstgimbal frame extended part 86. On the other hand, the reinforcementmember 100 is fixed to each of the first gimbal frame extended parts 86.The reinforcement member 100 is provided with the first reinforcementportion 100 a, which is located in the “+Z” direction of the firstextended portion 86 a of the first gimbal frame extended part 86, thesecond reinforcement portion 100 b which is extended along the secondextended portion 86 b of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 from anend on the outer peripheral side of the first reinforcement portion 100a, and the third reinforcement portion 100 c which is extended along thethird extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86from an end in the “−Z” direction of the second extended portion 86 b ofthe first gimbal frame extended part 86. Therefore, each of a pair ofthe first gimbal frame extended parts 86 can be prevented or suppressedfrom deforming in a direction separated from each other by thereinforcement member 100.

In addition, in this embodiment, a thickness of the reinforcement member100 in a laminated direction formed by overlapping the first gimbalframe extended part 86 with the reinforcement member 100 is thicker thanthat of the first gimbal frame extended part 86. Therefore, thereinforcement member 100 is easily structured of a member whose rigidityis higher than that of the first gimbal frame extended part 86.

Further, in this embodiment, the third extended portion 86 c of thefirst gimbal frame extended part 86 is provided with the gimbal frameextended part through-hole 92 penetrating in the first axis “R1”direction and the support member fixing tube part 93 which is protrudedfrom an opening edge of the gimbal frame extended part through-hole 92in the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 to an opposite side to the movable body 5. On the other hand,the third reinforcement portion 100 c of the reinforcement member 100 isprovided with the reinforcement member through-hole 103 which ispenetrated in the first axis “R1” direction to be communicated with thegimbal frame extended part through-hole 92 and into which the supportmember fixing tube part 93 is inserted. The first support member 81 isheld by the support member fixing tube part 93 and is protruded from thethird extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86.Therefore, the first support member 81 is held by the first gimbal frameextended part 86 and the reinforcement member 100. Further, the firstsupport member 81 is inserted into the support member fixing tube part93 which is extended in the first axis “R1” direction and thus, thefirst support member 81 can be moved in the first axis “R1” directionalong the support member fixing tube part 93. Therefore, a protrudingamount of the first support member 81 protruded from the first gimbalframe extended part 86 to a side of the movable body 5 can be adjusted.When a protruding amount of the first support member 81 can be adjusted,a situation is easily avoided that the first support member 81 and thefirst concave curved face 61 of the plate holder 42 are separated fromeach other and the plate holder 42 is unable to be turnably supported bythe gimbal frame 75.

In addition, in this embodiment, the reinforcement member 100 isprovided with the adhesive injection hole 101, which is penetratedthrough the first reinforcement portion 100 a in the “Z”-axis direction,and the communication groove 102 which is extended on a face on thefirst gimbal frame extended part 86 side along the first reinforcementportion 100 a, the second reinforcement portion 100 b and the thirdreinforcement portion 100 c to be communicated with the adhesiveinjection hole 101. Therefore, when an adhesive is injected through theadhesive injection hole 101 in a state that the reinforcement member 100and the first gimbal frame extended part 86 are brought into contactwith each other, the adhesive is introduced into the communicationgroove 102. Further, the reinforcement member 100 and the first gimbalframe extended part 86 are fixed to each other by the adhesive which isintroduced into the communication groove 102. Therefore, thereinforcement member 100 is easily fixed to the first gimbal frameextended part 86.

Further, in this embodiment, the reinforcement member 100 is providedwith a pair of the first reinforcement member protruded parts 104, whichare protruded toward a side of the movable body 5 on both sides of thefirst gimbal frame extended part 86 in the circumferential directionaround the optical axis “L”, and the second reinforcement memberprotruded part 105 which is protruded toward the movable body 5 side inthe “−Z” direction with respect to the first gimbal frame extended part86. On the other hand, the first gimbal frame extended part 86 isprovided with a pair of the protruded parts 94 of the first gimbal frameextended part 86 which are protruded to both sides in thecircumferential direction in the “−Z” direction with respect to a pairof the first reinforcement member protruded parts 104. Further, whenviewed in the “Z”-axis direction, the second reinforcement memberprotruded part 105 and the third extended portion 86 c of the firstgimbal frame extended part 86 are overlapped with each other, and a pairof the first reinforcement member protruded parts 104 and a pair of theprotruded parts 94 of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 areoverlapped with each other. Therefore, the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 can be prevented from disengaging from the reinforcement member100 in the “+Z” direction by a pair of the first reinforcement memberprotruded parts 104 and a pair of the protruded parts 94 of the firstgimbal frame extended part 86. Further, the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 can be prevented from disengaging from the reinforcement member100 in the “−Z” direction by the second reinforcement member protrudedpart 105.

In addition, in this embodiment, the gimbal mechanism 7 includes thesecond connection mechanism 77 which turnably connects the gimbal frame75 with the fixed body 8 around the second axis “R2”. The gimbal frame75 is provided with a pair of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87which are protruded from the frame main body part to both sides in thesecond axis “R2” direction and are extended in the “−Z” direction. Apair of the second gimbal frame extended parts 87 is located on theouter peripheral side with respect to the movable body 5. Further, thefixed body 8 is provided with the frame part 110 which surrounds themovable body 5, the turning support mechanism 6 and the gimbal frame 75from the outer peripheral side. The second connection mechanism 77includes the second support member 82, which is protruded from each ofthe diagonal portions of the frame part 110 in the second axis “R2”direction to a side of the gimbal frame 75 on the second axis “R2”, andthe second concave curved face 83 which is provided in each of a pair ofthe second gimbal frame extended parts 87 and is brought into contactwith a tip end of the second support member 82. Therefore, the turningsupport mechanism 6 is turnably supported by the gimbal mechanism 7around the second axis “R2”.

Further, in this embodiment, the inner peripheral face 51 a of the framepart 110 is provided with the moving range restriction part 145 (a pairof the side faces 120 b of the groove part 120) which faces thereinforcement member 100 with the first space interposed therebetween inthe circumferential direction and is capable of abutting with thereinforcement member 100 to restrict a moving range of the gimbal frame75 when the gimbal frame 75 is displaced in the circumferentialdirection. Further, the frame part 110 is provided with the turningrange restriction part 146 (bottom face 120 a of the groove part 120)which faces the reinforcement member 100 with the second spaceinterposed therebetween in the first axis “R1” direction and is capableof abutting with the reinforcement member 100 to restrict a turningrange of the gimbal frame 75 when the gimbal frame 75 is turned aroundthe second axis “R2”. Therefore, in a case that an external force isapplied or the like, a range that the gimbal frame 75 is moved in thecircumferential direction and a range that the gimbal frame 75 is turnedaround the second axis “R2” can be restricted. Accordingly, deformationand damage of the gimbal frame 75 can be prevented or suppressed.

Modified Embodiments

FIG. 14A is an explanatory view showing a structure that the firstsupport member 81 of the first connection mechanism 76 is fixed to thereinforcement member 100, and FIG. 14B is an explanatory view showing astructure that the first support member 81 of the first connectionmechanism 76 is fixed to the third extended portion 86 c of the firstgimbal frame extended part 86.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the first support member 81 may be fixed to thethird reinforcement portion 100 c of the reinforcement member 100. Inthis case, the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frameextended part 86 is provided with no support member fixing tube part 93.In the example shown in FIG. 14A, in a state that the first supportmember 81 is inserted into the reinforcement member through-hole 103 andthe gimbal frame extended part through-hole 92, the first support member81 is fixed to the reinforcement member 100 and the third extendedportion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 and is protrudedfrom the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extendedpart 86 to a side of the movable body 5. In other words, thereinforcement member through-hole 103 and the gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole 92 have sizes that the first support member 81 is fitted,and the first support member 81 is press-fitted to the reinforcementmember through-hole 103 and the gimbal frame extended part through-hole92.

According to this embodiment, the first support member 81 is held by thereinforcement member through-hole 103 and the gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole 92 which penetrate through in the first axis “R1”direction. Therefore, the first support member 81 can be moved in thefirst axis “R1” direction along the reinforcement member through-hole103 and the gimbal frame extended part through-hole 92. As a result, aprotruding amount of the first support member 81 which is protruded fromthe first gimbal frame extended part 86 to a side of the movable body 5can be adjusted and thus, a contact pressure of the first support member81 with the first concave curved face 61 of the plate holder 42 can beadjusted. Further, when a protruding amount of the first support member81 can be adjusted, a situation is easily avoided that the first supportmember 81 and the first concave curved face 61 of the plate holder 42are separated from each other and the plate holder 42 is unable to beturnably supported by the gimbal frame 75.

In the structure shown in FIG. 14A, the gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole 92 may be formed larger than an outer diameter dimension ofthe first support member 81. In this case, the first support member 81is protruded from the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbalframe extended part 86 to a side of the movable body 5 in a state thatthe first support member 81 is not brought into contact with the thirdextended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86. Inother words, the first support member 81 is fixed to the reinforcementmember 100 in a state that the first support member 81 is inserted intothe reinforcement member through-hole 103 which penetrates through thethird reinforcement portion 100 c in the first axis “R1” direction. Thefirst support member 81 fixed to the third reinforcement portion 100 cis penetrated through the gimbal frame extended part through-hole 92 andis protruded from the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbalframe extended part 86 to a side of the movable body 5.

Also in this case, the first support member 81 is held by thereinforcement member through-hole 103 which penetrates in the first axis“R1” direction. Therefore, the first support member 81 can be moved inthe first axis “R1” direction along the reinforcement memberthrough-hole 103. As a result, a protruding amount of the first supportmember 81 which is protruded from the first gimbal frame extended part86 to a side of the movable body 5 can be adjusted and thus, a contactpressure of the first support member 81 with the first concave curvedface 61 of the plate holder 42 can be adjusted. Further, when aprotruding amount of the first support member 81 can be adjusted, asituation is easily avoided that the first support member 81 and thefirst concave curved face 61 of the plate holder 42 are separated fromeach other and the plate holder 42 is unable to be turnably supported bythe gimbal frame 75.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 14B, the first support member 81 may befixed to the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frameextended part 86. In this case, the reinforcement member 100 is providedwith no reinforcement member through-hole 103. On the other hand, thegimbal frame extended part through-hole 92 provided in the thirdextended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 has asize so that the first support member 81 is fitted.

In this embodiment, the first support member 81 is fixed to the thirdextended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part 86 in astate that the first support member 81 is inserted into the gimbal frameextended part through-hole 92. Fixing of the first support member 81 tothe third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbal frame extended part86 may be performed by welding or the like. In this case, when the firstsupport member 81 is to be fixed to the third extended portion 86 c ofthe first gimbal frame extended part 86, the first support member 81 maybe structured of a spherical body similarly to the second support member82 and fixed to the third extended portion 86 c of the first gimbalframe extended part 86.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An optical unit with a shake correction functioncomprising: a movable body comprising a lens; a turning supportmechanism structured to turnably support the movable body around anoptical axis of the lens; a gimbal mechanism structured to turnablysupport the turning support mechanism around a first axis intersectingthe optical axis and turnably support the turning support mechanismaround a second axis intersecting the optical axis and the first axis; afixed body which supports the movable body through the gimbal mechanismand the turning support mechanism; a shake correction magnetic drivemechanism structured to turn the movable body around the first axis andaround the second axis; and a rolling correction magnetic drivemechanism structured to turn the movable body around the optical axis;wherein the turning support mechanism comprises: a plate roll which isfixed to the movable body; a plate holder comprising a facing part whichfaces the plate roll in a direction of the optical axis; and a turningmechanism which is provided between the plate roll and the facing partand is structured so that the plate roll is turnable with respect to theplate holder around the optical axis; wherein the gimbal mechanismcomprises: a gimbal frame; and a first connection mechanism whichturnably connects the plate holder with the gimbal frame around thefirst axis; wherein the first connection mechanism comprises: a firstsupport member which is protruded from the gimbal frame to a side of theplate holder on the first axis; and a first concave curved face which isprovided in the plate holder and is turnably brought into contact with atip end of the first support member; and wherein a reinforcement memberis fixed to the gimbal frame so that a portion of the gimbal frame wherethe first axis is passed is reinforced.
 2. The optical unit with a shakecorrection function according to claim 1, wherein when one side in adirection of the optical axis is defined as a first direction and another side in the direction of the optical axis is defined as a seconddirection, the gimbal frame comprises: a gimbal frame main body partwhich is located in the second direction with respect to the plateholder; and a pair of first gimbal frame extended parts which areprotruded from the gimbal frame main body part to both sides in adirection of the first axis and are extended in the first direction, thepair of the first gimbal frame extended parts is located on an outerperipheral side with respect to the movable body, each of the pair ofthe first gimbal frame extended parts comprises: a first extendedportion of the first gimbal frame extended part which is extended in adirection separated from the gimbal frame main body part in thedirection of the first axis; a second extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part which is inclined in the first direction froma tip end of the first extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part toward a direction separated from the gimbal frame mainbody part; and a third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part which is extended in the first direction from an end inthe first direction of the second extended portion of the first gimbalframe extended part on the outer peripheral side with respect to theplate holder, the first support member is protruded to a side of themovable body from the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part, the reinforcement member is fixed to each of the firstgimbal frame extended parts, and the reinforcement member comprises: afirst reinforcement portion which is located in the second directionwith respect to the first extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part; a second reinforcement portion which is extended from anend on the outer peripheral side of the first reinforcement portionalong the second extended portion of the first gimbal frame extendedpart; and a third reinforcement portion which is extended along thethird extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part from anend in the first direction of the second extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part.
 3. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 2, wherein a thickness of the reinforcementmember is thicker than a thickness of the first gimbal frame extendedpart in a laminated direction in a state that the first gimbal frameextended part and the reinforcement member are overlapped with eachother.
 4. The optical unit with a shake correction function according toclaim 2, wherein the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part comprises: a gimbal frame extended part through-hole whichpenetrates through the third extended portion in a direction of thefirst axis; and a support member fixing tube part which is protruded toan opposite side to the movable body in the direction of the first axisfrom an opening edge of the gimbal frame extended part through-holeprovided in the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part, the third reinforcement portion comprises a reinforcementmember through-hole which penetrates through the third reinforcementportion in the direction of the first axis and is communicated with thegimbal frame extended part through-hole and, the support member fixingtube part being inserted into the reinforcement member through-hole, andthe first support member is held by the support member fixing tube partand is protruded from the third extended portion of the first gimbalframe extended part.
 5. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 2, wherein the first support member is fixedto the third extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part.6. The optical unit with a shake correction function according to claim2, wherein the third extended portion of the first gimbal frame extendedpart comprises a gimbal frame extended part through-hole whichpenetrates through the third extended portion in the direction of thefirst axis, the third reinforcement portion comprises a reinforcementmember through-hole which penetrates through the third reinforcementportion in the direction of the first axis and is communicated with thegimbal frame extended part through-hole, the first support member isinserted into the reinforcement member through-hole and is fixed to thereinforcement member, and the first support member penetrates throughthe gimbal frame extended part through-hole and protrudes from the thirdextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part to a side ofthe movable body.
 7. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 2, wherein the third extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part comprises a gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole which penetrates through the third extended portion in thedirection of the first axis, the third reinforcement portion comprises areinforcement member through-hole which penetrates through the thirdreinforcement portion in the direction of the first axis and iscommunicated with the gimbal frame extended part through-hole, the firstsupport member is inserted into the gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole and the reinforcement member through-hole and is fixed tothe third extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part andthe reinforcement member, and the first support member is protruded to aside of the movable body from the third extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part.
 8. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 2, wherein the reinforcement membercomprises: an adhesive injection hole which penetrates through the firstreinforcement portion in the direction of the optical axis; and acommunication groove which is extended along the first reinforcementportion, the second reinforcement portion and the third reinforcementportion on a surface of a side of the first gimbal frame extended partand is communicated with the adhesive injection hole.
 9. The opticalunit with a shake correction function according to claim 2, wherein thereinforcement member comprises: a pair of first reinforcement memberprotruded parts which are protruded toward a side of the movable body onboth sides of the first gimbal frame extended part in a circumferentialdirection around the optical axis; and a second reinforcement memberprotruded part which is protruded toward the side of the movable body inthe first direction of the first gimbal frame extended part, the firstgimbal frame extended part comprises a pair of protruded parts of thefirst gimbal frame extended part protruded to both sides in thecircumferential direction in the first direction with respect to thepair of the first reinforcement member protruded parts, the secondreinforcement member protruded part and the third extended portion ofthe first gimbal frame extended part are overlapped with each other whenviewed in the direction of the optical axis, and the pair of the firstreinforcement member protruded parts and the pair of the protruded partsof the first gimbal frame extended part are overlapped with each otherwhen viewed in the direction of the optical axis.
 10. The optical unitwith a shake correction function according to claim 2, wherein thegimbal mechanism comprises a second connection mechanism which turnablyconnects the gimbal frame with the fixed body around the second axis,the gimbal frame comprises a pair of second gimbal frame extended partswhich are protruded from the gimbal frame main body part to both sidesin a direction of the second axis and are extended in the firstdirection, the pair of the second gimbal frame extended parts is locatedon an outer peripheral side with respect to the movable body, the fixedbody comprises a frame part which surrounds the movable body, the plateholder and the gimbal frame from the outer peripheral side, and thesecond connection mechanism comprises: a second support member which isprotruded to a side of the gimbal frame on the second axis from each ofdiagonal portions of the frame part in a direction of the second axis;and a second concave curved face which is provided in each of the pairof the second gimbal frame extended parts and is brought into contactwith a tip end of the second support member.
 11. The optical unit with ashake correction function according to claim 10, wherein an innerperipheral face of the frame part comprises: a moving range restrictionpart which faces the reinforcement member through a first space in acircumferential direction and is abutted with the reinforcement memberwhen the gimbal frame is displaced in the circumferential direction torestrict a moving range of the gimbal frame; and a turning rangerestriction part which faces the reinforcement member through a secondspace in a direction of the first axis and is abutted with thereinforcement member when the gimbal frame is turned around the secondaxis to restrict a turning range of the gimbal frame.
 12. The opticalunit with a shake correction function according to claim 3, wherein thethird extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended partcomprises: a gimbal frame extended part through-hole which penetratesthrough the third extended portion in a direction of the first axis; anda support member fixing tube part which is protruded to an opposite sideto the movable body in the direction of the first axis from an openingedge of the gimbal frame extended part through-hole in the thirdextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part, the thirdreinforcement portion comprises a reinforcement member through-holewhich penetrates through the third reinforcement portion in thedirection of the first axis and is communicated with the gimbal frameextended part through-hole and, the support member fixing tube partbeing inserted into the reinforcement member through-hole, and the firstsupport member is held by the support member fixing tube part and isprotruded from the third extended portion of the first gimbal frameextended part.
 13. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 3, wherein the first support member is fixed to thethird extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part.
 14. Theoptical unit with a shake correction function according to claim 3,wherein the third extended portion of the first gimbal frame extendedpart comprises a gimbal frame extended part through-hole whichpenetrates through the third extended portion in the direction of thefirst axis, the third reinforcement portion comprises a reinforcementmember through-hole which penetrates through the third reinforcementportion in the direction of the first axis and is communicated with thegimbal frame extended part through-hole, the first support member isinserted into the reinforcement member through-hole and is fixed to thereinforcement member, and the first support member penetrates throughthe gimbal frame extended part through-hole and protrudes from the thirdextended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part to a side ofthe movable body.
 15. The optical unit with a shake correction functionaccording to claim 3, wherein the third extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part comprises a gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole which penetrates through the third extended portion in thedirection of the first axis, the third reinforcement portion comprises areinforcement member through-hole which penetrates through the thirdreinforcement portion in the direction of the first axis and iscommunicated with the gimbal frame extended part through-hole, the firstsupport member is inserted into the gimbal frame extended partthrough-hole and the reinforcement member through-hole and is fixed tothe third extended portion of the first gimbal frame extended part andthe reinforcement member, and the first support member is protruded to aside of the movable body from the third extended portion of the firstgimbal frame extended part.
 16. The optical unit with a shake correctionfunction according to claim 3, wherein the reinforcement membercomprises: an adhesive injection hole which penetrates through the firstreinforcement portion in the direction of the optical axis; and acommunication groove which is extended along the first reinforcementportion, the second reinforcement portion and the third reinforcementportion on a surface of a side of the first gimbal frame extended partand is communicated with the adhesive injection hole.
 17. The opticalunit with a shake correction function according to claim 3, wherein thereinforcement member comprises: a pair of first reinforcement memberprotruded parts which are protruded toward a side of the movable body onboth sides of the first gimbal frame extended part in a circumferentialdirection around the optical axis; and a second reinforcement memberprotruded part which is protruded toward the side of the movable body inthe first direction of the first gimbal frame extended part, the firstgimbal frame extended part comprises a pair of protruded parts of thefirst gimbal frame extended part protruded to both sides in thecircumferential direction in the first direction with respect to thepair of the first reinforcement member protruded parts, the secondreinforcement member protruded part and the third extended portion ofthe first gimbal frame extended part are overlapped with each other whenviewed in the direction of the optical axis, and the pair of the firstreinforcement member protruded parts and the pair of the protruded partsof the first gimbal frame extended part are overlapped with each otherwhen viewed in the direction of the optical axis.
 18. The optical unitwith a shake correction function according to claim 3, wherein thegimbal mechanism comprises a second connection mechanism which turnablyconnects the gimbal frame with the fixed body around the second axis,the gimbal frame comprises a pair of second gimbal frame extended partswhich are protruded from the gimbal frame main body part to both sidesin a direction of the second axis and are extended in the firstdirection, the pair of the second gimbal frame extended parts is locatedon an outer peripheral side with respect to the movable body, the fixedbody comprises a frame part which surrounds the movable body, the plateholder and the gimbal frame from the outer peripheral side, and thesecond connection mechanism comprises: a second support member which isprotruded to a side of the gimbal frame on the second axis from each ofdiagonal portions of the frame part in a direction of the second axis;and a second concave curved face which is provided in each of the pairof the second gimbal frame extended parts and is brought into contactwith a tip end of the second support member.
 19. The optical unit with ashake correction function according to claim 18, wherein an innerperipheral face of the frame part comprises: a moving range restrictionpart which faces the reinforcement member through a first space in acircumferential direction and is abutted with the reinforcement memberwhen the gimbal frame is displaced in the circumferential direction torestrict a moving range of the gimbal frame; and a turning rangerestriction part which faces the reinforcement member through a secondspace in a direction of the first axis and is abutted with thereinforcement member when the gimbal frame is turned around the secondaxis to restrict a turning range of the gimbal frame.